Video: Four faster ways to attach a file to email

Attaching a file to an e-mail is probably one of the most useful features of Outlook. And sure, we all know about the Paperclip icon, but there are four faster ways that are often easier. Let me show you. The first is drag-and-drop. Occasionally, we'll have both the e-mail that we're composing along with the Explorer window that contains the attachment open on the screen. Here I can drag and drop the file from Explorer right onto the e-mail and let go.

In Outlook 2010 Power Shortcuts, author David Diskin shares an assortment of time-saving tips and tricks to maximize efficiency and productivity in Outlook 2010. The course covers tips for organizing and sending email, working with tasks, scheduling appointments, and maintaining contact lists. Also included are tutorials on email etiquette, Outlook customization, and much more. A quick reference guide to shortcut keys accompanies the course.

Four faster ways to attach a file to email

Attaching a file to an e-mail is probably one of the most useful features ofOutlook. And sure, we all know about the Paperclip icon, but there are four fasterways that are often easier. Let me show you.The first is drag-and-drop.Occasionally, we'll have both the e-mail that we're composing along with theExplorer window that contains the attachment open on the screen.Here I can drag and drop the file from Explorer right onto the e-mail and let go.

It also works when you have multiple files selected.Similar to the drag-and-drop, I can use the familiar Copy and Paste features toattach a file to an e-mail.I can right-click and choose Copy and then right-click here and choose Paste.I can also use the shortcut keys, Ctrl+C and then Ctrl+V. Both of these assumethat I already have an e-mail opened, ready to go, but what if I don't?What if I'm looking at the file, and I don't even have Outlook ready to go?Well, if Windows is configured correctly, I can right-click on any file, chooseSend to, and then Mail recipient.

Outlook will automatically create a brand-new e-mail, and all I have to do is address it.And there is one more way that's even easier.After working on the catalog, I can send it directly from Microsoft Word withoutmessing around with Explorer or Outlook.With that file open, I'll click File to go Backstage and then choose Save & Send.Here I can choose to either send it as an attachment, as in Microsoft Word,or send it as a PDF.

Either one of these will create a brand-new e-mail with the file alreadyattached. And again, all I need to do is address it, perhaps modify the subjectand body and hit Send.Here I'm using Microsoft Word, but nearly every Microsoft Office 2010 tool hasthis handy feature built in.By the way, if you attached a file and didn't mean to, you can hit Delete orBackspace from your keyboard to remove it from the attachments.Our next video discusses how and why you might consider skipping theattachment altogether.

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Learn by watching, listening, and doing! Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along. Exercise files are available with all Premium memberships.
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